Facing the ire of dozens of arts supporters, the Fulton County Commission has nixed a proposal to cut nearly $500,000 in grants for arts groups.
More than 30 artists, directors, dancers, musicians and nonprofit board members told commissioners the cuts would threaten Atlanta’s artistic community, which generates tax dollars, supports retailers and restaurants and helps steer youth away from drugs and crime.
Interim County Manager David Ware proposed reducing $1.5 million in arts grants down to $1 million, which would have meant smaller awards for more than 90 groups. He wanted to use the money to lease the Union City jail so that female inmates can stop sleeping on floors at the county’s Rice Street jail.
The commission voted the idea down 6-0.
“If we were living in ancient Greece,” Commissioner Joan Garner, a former Arts Council member, said, “we would not want to live in Sparta. We would want to live in Athens, because it has a vibrant culture.”
Fulton County is the state’s biggest contributor to the arts, investing about $5 million this year.
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